Did I fall into a worm-hole overnight? - 10/31/11 12:05 PM
I think I rolled out of bed and into a worm hole overnight.  I'm not a big one to complain about incompetence in others, but for some reason I'm seeing a whole lot more of it today than normal, and it's not isolated in one industry. 
1. A few weeks ago, I requested a large number of key repair parts for equipment that is critical to an upcoming event this week.  The organization that owns the equipment just sent an email stating that the parts were ordered this morning and will be in within a week.  That's after the event.
… (39 comments)

A Sunday Devotion II - 10/30/11 09:19 AM
                 Matthew 25.36 "I was in prison and you came to visit me."
 
A number of years ago, I was the guest speaker at the Michigan State Penitentiary in Muskegon, MI.  When I got to the prison, the administration held me up for quite a while before releasing me to the chapel area.  This prison had a dedicated chapel.   It was very nice.
In the staging area, the guards took my wallet, keys, coins and cell phone.  It was all typical stuff.  Then they took my belt, Bible and notes.  I would be speaking without notes on this trip.  No … (10 comments)

What Can Maxwell Smart Teach Us About Real Estate? - 10/29/11 09:50 PM
In a comment on my "What Can James Bond Teach Us About Real Estate," Jim Paulson got me to thinking about another well known spy.  I think he can teach us something too!
So, the question begs an answer, "What can Maxwell Smart teach us about real estate?"  Plenty.  For instance:
It always pays to know that there can be Kaos in a deal.  You've got to learn to perform even in the midst of Kaos.  Stay in Control of your business.  When there is a lot of Kaos around, it's important that you 86 it right away.  Kaos in an … (63 comments)

The "People of Walmart" buy houses too! - 10/29/11 09:12 AM
If you spend any time on the web, you have probably seen one of the "People of Walmart" videos.  They can be funny, shocking and a little bizarre.  They've gotten so popular on the Internet I've wondered if people aren't heading over to Walmart dressed in their most wacky garb in hopes that someone is filming.  It could be their big film break.
Well, I've got new for you.  Walmart is coming to real estate.  They're not selling houses, even though that wouldn't surprise me some day, no, the people of Walmart are buying houses.  I had a customer show up … (32 comments)

Get ready, the snow is coming! - 10/28/11 04:18 PM
I might be wrong, but I think I missed Fall.  We went from a pretty good Summer to a very early snowy Winter.  I know time goes by faster as you get older, but is it possible to miss a whole season?  The northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is calling for up to 8" of snow on October 28th. 
There's an old belief that whatever day of the month you receive your first snow - that will be the number of snows for that season.  I would say, "Baloney," but the most snowy year we've had in a decade followed … (14 comments)

Of all dads, I am the most blessed. - 10/28/11 10:50 AM
I feel like a very privileged dad.  My youngest son (19) works at a local grocery store in our community.  I stopped by that store Thursday evening on the way home from the office (at 9:00 pm).  It had been a really long day, but we needed a few items so I had to stop.  I didn't realize my son was working, but I turned a corner in the store and bang, there he was.  The first thing he did was give me a hug.  We chatted for a few seconds (he was working), and then I went on.  He didn't … (56 comments)

What Can James Bond Teach Us About Real Estate? - 10/27/11 07:52 AM
What can James Bond teach us about real estate?  A lot.  Think about it.  Bond was the ultimate spy, and he had certain characteristics that nearly every spy movie that has followed Goldfinger has copied.  He set the standard for the movie spy.  So, what can James teach us?
He was confident.  He knew his craft well, and he was confident.  Some may see that as cocky, but confidence is simply an assurance that know what you're doing.  That's the kind of Realtor I would want. He was always prepared for anything.  A Bond movie would be boring if it wasn't … (100 comments)

Have the tenacity of a bird, and you'll overcome this economy! - 10/26/11 03:39 PM
I was driving along this afternoon, and I saw a bird.  The thing that caught my eye about this particular bird was that he was stuck in the air.  He wasn't going forward, even though he was flapping his wings furiously.  But, better yet, he wasn't going backward.  I guess all of that flapping was keeping him steady. 
That image got me to thinking about our current economy.  A lot of people aren't making a lot of forward progress, and they feel like they're just flapping they're wings.  That may you.  It might feel like you're pushing a giant ball … (25 comments)

Life is short. Live it! - 10/25/11 07:20 PM
At the ripe old age of 32 I developed a new life philosophy. I decided to live it.  I know, that sounds like the a logical conclusion for a young man in the early days of his adult life, but at that same age I had what I'll call a heart kerfuffle that made me aware that every day is precious.  It was a bit scary, and my poor wife nearly killed me for not responding to the attack immediately, but hey, I'm a guy.  Within a year, my dad dropped dead of a massive heart attack.  He was 55.
After … (43 comments)

Who do you give your business to? - 10/24/11 06:31 PM
This year I started something I probably should have done years ago.  I adopted a policy of prospering those who prosper me.  There are a lot of national and local businesses that use our services.  There are also individuals who own restaurants, law offices, accounting offices, auto shops, convenience stores and other small businesses that use my electrical contracting company and my real estate brokerage.
So, for 2011, I made sure that I looked over all of the people I do business with to see how I could reciprocate.  I decided to not only use their businesses and services, but … (14 comments)

Are you in the wrong profession? - 10/24/11 02:17 PM
I feel like I've lived an incredibly blessed life in so many ways.  It seems like Heaven and earth have conspired to make sure I've always had the best mentors, teachers and trainers.  One of those teachers was Dr. Richard Dobbins of Akron, OH. 
Dr. Dobbins was a pastor turned clinical psychologist.  When I was working on a Master's degree in psychology he was my instructor, and what an amazing instructor he was.  He taught me so many things that stand out in my life, but one particular thing he said helped me understand how I am wired.  Understanding how … (29 comments)

A Sunday Devotion - 10/23/11 12:08 PM
Christianity is full of true passion.  When Polycarp, a disciple of John, was brought into the stadium prior to his death - the proconsul said,
"Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists!"  Christians were considered atheists because they didn't worship multiple gods.
But, Polycarp just looked up to heaven - and God spoke to him in a voice that other believers heard, and He said, "Be strong, and show yourself a man, Polycarp!"
Polycarp refused to denounce Christ - or to hail Caesar.  The proconsul again said, "Swear, and I will set you at liberty, … (11 comments)

Can I Buy a House after a Short Sale or Foreclosure? - 10/23/11 11:14 AM
This is excellent information Tom offers about buying a home after a short sale or foreclosure.  I'm sure many of us have had this question asked more than once.  Tom gives a great breakdown of the timetables associated with various loans.  Please drop by his blog and say thanks!!
 
 
Via Tom Branch | Broker, CDPE, SFR | Plano TX Community Ambassador | 214-227-6626 (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs):
This is a common question among distressed homeowners we work with. It’s an easy question to ask, but the answer is complicated and constantly changing.
There are many variables involved when trying … (0 comments)

FROM THE DESK OF THE UNSURPRISED: Government Finds Major Defects in HAMP - 10/23/11 09:57 AM
For those of us who have tried to help people get through HAMP Hell, this article is no surprise.  Please drop by Lenn's blog and thank her for bringing this article to our attention.  Have a great Sunday!


Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
FROM THE DESK OF THE UNSURPRISED:  Government Finds Major Defects in HAMP
The information below is for interested real estate agents and brokers.  Although this "news" is no surprise to many ActiveRain members, since most of us have incorporated daily reading of financial … (2 comments)

Autumn and the cycle of life! - 10/23/11 09:44 AM
This is a nice whimsical blog by, Richard.  Like Richard, Fall is a special time for me, and when it arrives it signals a change.  It's key to me living a comfortable Winter.  I hope you enjoy Richard's prose, and please remember to drop by his blog and leave a comment or two.  Have a great Sunday!


Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:
In flocks aloft and spinning madDescend to drifts of fragrant frondsThat dim and wane, then fade awayTransformed to earth in carpets laid.                         (R Weisser 2011)
… (0 comments)

"Seasonal creep" - More MLS Oddities! - 10/23/11 09:09 AM
Alright, it's Sunday morning and I'm following my normal procedure of reading Gwen Banta's MLS funnies, and this time I've got to re-blog.  They should be required reading for all.  Why?  To warn us of the pitfalls of loading something other than data into the MLS.  We'll call that Banta-fodder.  Also because they are great for irrigating your nose once a week.  Please do not drink coffee while reading (hence the nose irrigation liquid), and do not read them in the vicinity of sleeping people who are cranky when awakened by others convulsing in laughter.  Enjoy, and please make sure you … (4 comments)

It's a REALLY GOOD DAY - 10/22/11 03:48 PM
Mimi is one of my all-time favorite bloggers.  She is always forthcoming with her knowledge and with her heart.  If you feel like you've been slogging through the mud of life with no hope for a resolution, please read her blog.  It's full of circumstances and situations that we all face, along with ones that call for a near supernatural resolution.  And, in the mysterious way the universe works (I attribute that to a loving God) resolutions are found.  Some of those resolutions exceeding our wildest imagination.  Please make sure you drop by her blog and send a word of encourgement … (0 comments)

Earn this . . . earn it. - 10/22/11 08:29 AM
About a decade ago, the movie, Saving Private Ryan was released over a Memorial Day weekend as a tribute to those who fought in World War II.  The movie is intense, and if you haven't seen it - it's well worth an evening. 
At the end of the movie there is a scene where a much older Private Ryan is in a graveyard in France.  He is visiting the graves of the men who died in the final battle scene.  During his visit, he turns to his wife, and with tears in his eyes, he says, "Tell me I'm a … (17 comments)

I'm Firing My Employers! - 10/21/11 04:10 PM
My life has gotten terribly busy this year.  The past couple months have been even busier so I decided to do something about it.  I'm firing some of the companies I work with.  Yep, I'm firing them.  I know, you're thinking, can you fire your employer?  Absolutely.  It's called, "Quitting!"
During the summer, I noticed that some of the companies I work with have gotten cheap and demanding.  They have lowered their vendor compensation fees while demanding greater levels of service. 
Some of the other companies have not kept their web platforms up to date so they have slowed the … (38 comments)

READ THIS Before Your Next Price Reduction Recommendation! - 10/21/11 08:45 AM
Jennifer has some great advice about price reductions.  You might want to look at her questions and ask yourself the same questions about listings that are sitting too long.  I hope you enjoy it and please remember to drop by her blog and leave a comment!
 
 
Via Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
I have a friend who listed her house with one of the top agents in her area. They went on the market about two months ago, at the exact price the agent recommended and supported with his market analysis. Showings were brisk … (6 comments)

So, you want a Feature? A non-Feature might be better! - 10/20/11 10:51 AM
I would imagine I'm like most people who blog.  I hope that my blog is well received, helpful, entertaining and challenging at times.  It's always nice to get a blog featured, but that can be elusive and unpredictable.  What I've learned in seven and a half months of blogging is that it's not always the features that get the most attention.
Sometimes, an un-featured blog garners the most attention.  So, here are the things you can't control: the feature picking gods (an unpredictable bunch), the content attraction to the masses on a given day, time of day or day of the … (75 comments)

Education alone does not make you successful. But, the right education sure can help. - 10/18/11 07:05 PM
A few days ago, Brenda Mullen, wrote a great blog called, "And just how hard was your licensing exam?"  It was a great blog, and it got me to thinking about education.  On a side note, Brenda would be a great friend to have within shouting distance if you ever code blue.  
I thought my original salesperson licensing exam was a challenge.  The broker exam wasn't quite as challenging, but I had a lot more experience by then.  So, it seemed easier.  Ironically, neither one of those exams will make you a great Realtor.  Education and experience will make you … (55 comments)

Agents, please don't answer your phone. It's helping me have a great year! - 10/17/11 02:25 PM
If you've read my blog for a while you know that one of my biggest pet peeves relates to agents who don't answer their phones or don't return calls.  It almost always works out to my benefit when I get the call from a potential customer who was unable to get the listing agent on the phone.  Sunday was no different. 
I received a call from a customer who wanted to see one of my listings.  She had a second property she wanted to see, but the listing agent didn't answer the phone, nor did he return her call.  He … (150 comments)

Slow and Steady Wins the Race, But I'll Settle for Steady - 10/17/11 10:08 AM
Like most young men in my twenties, I loved to go fast.  One of my first cars was an Italian sports car that I ran up to 143 mph before it blew the manifold off the side of the block.  It was exhilarating.  Not long after that expensive repair, I took my motorcycle just beyond that speed.  Whew!  That was fun, but I must admit it was a little more intense.
You would think I had gotten that out of my system in my early twenties, but in 2006 I took on another speed challenge.  While riding my bicycle through the … (9 comments)

Women Are The Devil - 10/17/11 04:21 AM
Today's local paper had a headline that can't be overlooked.  It read, "Women are the devil".  I've said this for years, but no one believed me.  At least I said that the Secretary of State, William Seward said, "The men are all in the army, and the women are the devil."  General Sherman is noted with a similar line.
The ladies of Winchester were feisty during the Civil War.  They didn't take any guff off of Union soldiers, and it became a great source of irritation for Union officers.  It has been reported that the women of Winchester who were sympathetic … (9 comments)

What can apples teach us about business? - 10/17/11 04:17 AM
Throughout my whole childhood, Winchester, Virginia was known as the Apple Capital of the World.  There were more apple orchards in our small community than any other place on earth.  That honor has long passed as development has taken over the thousands of acres of apple trees, but those trees taught me a few things about life and business.
One thing I learned is that apple growing begins long before you see any apples.  The trees need pruning before you see buds  on the branches.  Too many branches can make all of the branches less effective.  Smaller branches can pull nutrients … (54 comments)

The country is in a Funk! Getting out requires getting honest answers! - 10/15/11 12:56 PM
I'm beginning to think our country is in a funk.  I'm not sure I've ever seen it more divided than it is today, and I wonder how did WE let this happen?  I can only assume that in the process of "living" we have not paid attention to what's going on around us, and here we are in this malaise. 
The problem is that the national condition affects us in so many ways.  It makes it difficult to make a living.  It causes stress that doesn't need to be there, and it pits one person against another, or one group … (18 comments)

How to help a seller get mentally ready to sell. - 10/14/11 08:04 PM
Markets change on a cyclical basis.  It doesn't matter if it's the stock market or the real estate market.  They cycle.  Unfortunately for most homeowners - they don't see cycles.  They see blood, sweat and tears and dollar signs. 
Most market cycles are not devastating like the current one has been.  So, homeowners tend to expect a profit on a real estate sale, and that's normally the way it is.  But, every so often a cycle comes along that sends the market in a reverse direction.  That shift defies so much of the real estate hype seen on TV infomercials … (14 comments)

My Electrical Contracting Company Has Taught Me A Lot About Real Estate - 10/13/11 10:18 PM
My little electrical company has taught me a lot about business.  As a matter of fact, the lessons I've learned as an electrical contractor have made me a better real estate broker. 
Quality Electric Co., LLC is a small, high octane electrical contracting company.  The thing that makes us unique in our area is that we can do just about any level of electrical wiring and repair.  It doesn't matter if it is residential, commercial or industrial.  It's not unusual to do all three in one day. 
Our team is extremely talented at troubleshooting, and one of our primary … (6 comments)

Run Your Office Like Walmart - 10/13/11 05:23 PM
My electrical contracting company has been doing an electrical project inside a brand new Walmart that is coming to our area.  During the times that I was in building, I noticed a couple things.  It takes a lot of people and a lot of work to open a business of this size and scope.  Nobody was able to tell me how many products are in the store, but I can tell you, it's a bunch.
There were no products in the store at all of my first trip to look at the project.  Over two weeks, the building became a buzz … (15 comments)

Sometimes You've Got to Be Stuck in Tree to Try Something New - 10/11/11 08:10 PM
A few years ago, I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico doing a canopy glide.  If you've never done a canopy glide, it's a blast.  You are riding on a 3/4" - 1" cable over, or through, a forest.  You are hanging below the line.  So, it feels like you're suspended in the air.  It is a blast.
The first canopy glide that I ever did was about 60 feet above the canopy floor (they get much higher).  You can travel at speeds up to 60 miles an hour, and the only thing that stops you is how you manipulate the pulley … (22 comments)

Passion is Contagious - Infect Somebody! - 10/11/11 04:59 PM
If you spend any time with me you will learn pretty quickly that I am a very passionate person.   Passion is something I've written about in the past, but I want to talk to you about another aspect of passion.
Passion is contagious.  We live in a pretty passionless world, and I find that terribly sad.  Passion gives you a tremendous power that you might not sense when you're just going through the motions of life. 
A few years ago, I was visiting an electrical client.  I was also a Realtor at that time, and then just like now, I owned … (73 comments)

Are You Stepping On My Toe? - 10/10/11 10:36 PM
Jon has good thoughts about how we communicate through out blogs.  It's definitely worth a second look.  Enjoy, and if you'd like to leave a comment, please drop by Jon's blog and drop him a note.  He'll really appreciate it!


Via Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL. FunCoast Realty, 386-405-4408:
There was recently a blog calling for stripping a non real estate content of points on AR. It was featured, and like everything on AR, had a sizable thread with “I agree” comments. I could not believe people would be taking it seriously, but then “I agree” comment in large quantity … (3 comments)

Some Choices Make No Sense To Others - But They're The Right Choice - 10/10/11 09:59 PM
My wife and I were watching an episode of Blue Bloods this past weekend.  In the episode, Danny (Donnie Walhberg) went into a bank where a gunman, that he knew, was holding hostages.  It worked out OK, but in the last scene he's home and in the kitchen with his wife. 
She's crying because she happened to come into the house and saw the whole thing unfolding on TV.  Her tears were over the possibilities of what might have happened.  She was scared about Danny getting into a similar situation that didn't work out so well.
It was emotional.  When … (15 comments)

URLs and Beyond...What the Hell is a URL? - 10/10/11 06:34 PM
OK, if you feel technologically challenged as things continue to change, Richard might have some help for you.  URLs are a common term for bloggers, but when you're first getting started it might be a little overwhelming. Enjoy the blog, and please leave Richard a kudos on his blog. 


Via Richard Yates - Broker (Coldwell Banker Real Estate):
URLs and Beyond...What the Hell is a URL?
Wikipedia defines a URL as: In computing a Uniform Resource Locator or Universal Resource Locator (URL) is a character string that specifies where a known resource is available on the Internet and … (0 comments)

Wise Words - 10/10/11 06:29 PM
On a recent hike, John ran across this sign.  It makes you want to stop and reflect.  I hope you enjoy it, and please stop by and tell John, "Good Job!"  He'll reall appreciate it!!
 
 
Via John McCormack- Albuquerque Homes Realty (Albuquerque Homes Realty):
While entering a hiking trailhead near Albuquerque my wife and I spotted this thought provoking sign.  There in the quiet solitude we contemplated this simple yet true statement. I wanted to share it with you in hopes you might recall it the next time you head out to enjoy Mother Natures in all her beauty.

Albuquerque … (0 comments)

Is it a Good Time to Buy a House Yet? - 10/10/11 04:59 PM
Cathy has a great blog here about getting in the game.  I have people ask me the same questions she begins the blog with, and the answer is, "Get in the game!"  Good job, Cathy.  Please drop by her blog and give her a "Good job!"  She'll really appreciate it!


Via Cathy Bureau, MBA, BROKER, GREEN, SFR San Antonio, Texas - Real Estate (Broker- Owner, www.GreenHomeRealtyTexas.com):
Everybody likes to talk about real estate.  Five years ago the most asked question I used to get was:  How's Business?
 
Today it is twofold:  Have we hit bottom? Followed by, "Is it … (0 comments)

The Time To Get Out of Your Real Estate Agency Contract? When You Sign It! - 10/10/11 04:51 PM
Pat (another Great Virginia Realtor), has a well thought out blog about our contractual relationships with our clients.  Whether you are a listing agent, or a buyer broker, a contract is a contract and should be treated as one.  Too many agents let their clients off the hook when the contract is broken.  Pat gives some excellent food for thought.  Please drop by and give her a "Yea, Pat!"  She'll really appreciate it.


Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
During the last few months, I've gotten a bunch of calls from buyers and sellers who would like me to … (0 comments)

Sellers Will Likely Need to Adjust If They Want To Sell In This Market - 10/09/11 11:47 AM
During the hot days of the local real estate market, our area had 1400+ agents competing for listings and sales.  Now, with the market in a stagnant and unstable place, we have approximately 500 agents.  That's a 74% drop in agents.  Even still, that's probably 50% more than is necessary.
Building permits for the tri-county area are running at 114 for the year.  Last year, they were at 341.  The year before that, they ran at 1783.  Simple numbers like that demonstrate to those who pay attention that the market is still very fragile in our area.  The loss of … (16 comments)

Why I'll Miss The Redfin Scouting Report - 10/08/11 08:32 PM
Cindy, another Great Virginia Realtor, has a great blog relating to the Redfail agent scouting  reports, but she takes it a step further.  Cindy, addresses conferences and agent appearances that tout them as experts in a specific field.  What designates someone as an expert?  That whole expert title makes me a little uncomfortable.  I've had it thrown at me a couple times, and I am quick to disclose I am just a guy doing a job.  Not an expert at anything.  Check out her blog, and if you'd like to leave  a comment, please drop by her blog and say, "Good … (0 comments)

Use the News to Build Your Business - 10/08/11 08:23 PM
One of the things I learned many years ago is that the local paper is always looking for news.  If something good is happening in your life, make sure you alert the local paper.  For instance, you can make them aware that you've been featured on Active Rain.  Add a link so others can read it, include your Realtor photo and that will draw people to your blog.  If you receive a new designation, CDPE, SFR, ABR, etc., make sure you send that information to the business briefs section of your paper. 
One month, I had another agent send me … (30 comments)

Never Burn Your Bridges In This Business - 10/08/11 08:22 PM
I have a piece of advice for you, "Never burn your bridges in this business."  I've blogged about a listing I have that has had issues.  The house is beautiful in so many ways, but it was unfinished and then vandalized by the owners on their way out the door.  So, it has a lot of issues.  It makes me sick because it's a great house on a great lot in a wonderful location.  What's not to love?
This week, I found one more issue it has that is going to cause even more problems, but hey, life isn't without problems, … (24 comments)

Can someone please tell me who the hell is on first? - 10/07/11 08:49 PM
If you think you've heard it all, read Andrea's blog.  It's a foreclosure story for the record books.  Wow!  Enjoy, and please drop by her blog and leave a note.  She'll really appreciate it!


Via Andrea Swiedler - REALTOR - Greater New Milford CT, Litchfield & Fairfield Cnty (Prudential Connecticut Realty, New Milford CT):
I got a call the other day from someone who hopes I can help, someone I do know. The family moved out of state a year ago, their property foreclosed on. But not so fast... A phone call from the lender, would you consider listing your … (0 comments)

Asking for help when needed is a good business practice - 10/07/11 08:43 PM
Anna's speak experience is a great example of the need to get help when you need it.  It's funny on one hand, but it's sad on another.  It would be sad to have so much wisdom and knowledge available to you and never reach out to use it.  Anna learned a great lesson, and we can all learn from her experience.  I hope you enjoy it, and please drop by her blog and leave her a, "Yea, Anna!"


Via Anna Banana - AZ Top Banana! Phoenix Broker CRS 602-380-4886 (Phoenix Property Shoppe):
Asking for help when needed is a good … (0 comments)

The Cost of Missed Opportunity is Astronomical - 10/07/11 08:37 PM
Lou always has a great motivational quote.  This one is a great one for those of us who are self-employed.  Enjoy, and if you'd like to leave a comment, please stop by Lou's blog and leave him a note.  Have a great opportunity filled weekend!
 
 
Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):
  
Motivational Power Quote
 
The Cost of Missed Opportunity is Astronomical   
“Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.”
H. Jackson Brown, author   
 
 
As I see it . . . . . . .
 
The cost of … (0 comments)

If you have ever doubted the power of a "Localism" post, listen up! Thanks Eric Stewart, Stewart Storage, Ixonia WI - 10/07/11 08:34 PM
Laura gives you another reason to do local blogs.  Take a look, and if you'd like to leave a comment, please drop by Laura's blog and say, "Yea, Laura!"
 
 
Via Laura S. Baker, (920) 728-4118, Ready? Set,..Sell! Home Staging/ReDesign (Madison WI, South Central WI, rss.home.staging@gmail.com, ):
If you have ever doubted the power of a "Localism" post, listen up!  Thanks Eric Stewart, Stewart Storage, Ixonia WI! Yesterday I created a Localism post about the upcoming PancakeBreakfast at the Jefferson WI Firehouse. Jefferson WI Pancake Breakfast at the Fire House! Come One Come all! It's a lot of fun!   … (2 comments)

Trust is often learned in the challenges of life - Fall Season of Miracles - 10/07/11 05:14 PM

The POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul group gives you the opportunity to share the miracles in your life during this fall season with a creative writing challenge . Join in on the challenge with the  FALL SEASON OF MIRACLES CONTEST | Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul Group


In 1999, I started traveling to the Ukraine to teach intensives in a college.  It was my first trip out of the western hemisphere.  It was exciting.  I was a little nervous.  I didn't speak Russian.  I had never taught with an interpreter.  I didn't know anything about the … (22 comments)

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON: 31 DAYS UNTIL I SPIN IN SUPPORT OF THE TA-TAS! - 10/06/11 07:51 PM
I had to re-blog this one so everyone can get involved if you choose.  Andrea Bedard is joining us for a 12 hour cycling event to support the Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.  Actually, I believe we'll see Bridget McGee, the Mortgage Mama, on Saturday, November 5th, as well.  If you'd like to join us, let me know and we'll get you on a team.  You can always send a donation, in the name of Susan G Komen Foundation, to the Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center, 401 Campus Blvd, Winchester, VA 22601.  Every thing helps!!  Drop by … (13 comments)

Stop being a wandering generality. Set goals! - 10/05/11 08:28 PM
There is an old saying that says, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time."  What could be more true?  I'm a big goals kind of guy.  I realized early in life that without solid recognizable and quantifiable goals, I could drift around forever and never really know if I was making any legitimate progress.  It's what Zig Ziglar used to call a "wandering generality."  Ziglar also said, "I'd rather be a meaningful specific than a wondering generality."  Me too, but how do you get there?
Let me offer some simple goal setting rules to see if I can … (18 comments)

Use Neighborhood Info to Farm for Listings - 10/04/11 07:24 AM
One of the easiest ways to learn about your own market is to pull statistics from your local MLS.  If you want to know how the market is performing you can do a blanket search by zip code, or zip codes, in your area.  It's easy and quick.
But, if you want to find out where the hot spots are, or will be in your community, you can search by subdivision.   You can even break that down by street or streets in a given area.  I've been looking at a couple different neighborhoods in my area with the intent to … (43 comments)

Are you as tough as an urban squirrel? You better be in this economy! - 10/03/11 07:18 PM
I have been watching an epic showdown near my home.  This past week, I was driving home and saw a hawk swooping down to the left of my car.  At the same time, I saw a squirrel running down the sidewalk.  The hawk had him in his sights.  Within seconds the squirrel was going to be lunch! 
Just as the hawk caught up to him, the squirrel must have sensed the impending disaster and he jerked to the right and the hawk missed him.  The hawk glided to a tree nearby and studied the area.  Looking back over his shoulder, … (49 comments)

Extreme Makeover, USA - Warning: This blog is long and may offend some. Feel free to skip it. - 10/03/11 04:33 AM
I just finished watching an episode of Extreme Makeover, and whew, that is tough to watch.  In a good way, anyway.  The impact that a small group of people can have on a life is stunning. 
It got me to thinking about our country.  In each episode of EM, a family that is struggling (poverty, loss of loved ones, etc.) in some way is rescued through the skillful hands of volunteers who are willing to put their talents to work to solve a problem.
Our country is in need of an economic extreme makeover.  Politicians,  businesses, corruption and simple stupidity … (36 comments)

Don't Panic! The Internet is Down! - 10/02/11 05:54 PM
My house looked like we were hosting a wake yesterday.  The Internet network went down.  What?  How could that happen in this day of technology?  Shouldn't someone sitting somewhere starring wide-eyed at a screen have seen this coming and fixed it before we were inconvenienced?  Surely, this should never happen in the 21st century.

You would have thought it was a cyber- attack from a foreign country.  Yep, it went down.  No Internet.  No Wi-Fi.  No gaming consoles online.  No, no, nothing.  Pat Kennedy's blog, "Phones! Newspapers! Real Estate! What has Technology Wrought?" made me laugh because of my crew.  … (34 comments)

Phones! Newspapers! Real Estate! What Has Technology Wrought? - 10/01/11 11:36 PM
Pat's blog gives us techno-holics a good lesson in what we used to do before all of the gadgets and gizmos of 2011.  It reminded me of my sons today.  Our home Internet network developed a problem when one of the boys was trying to hook up a game console.  In the process, everyone was off-line.  For the next couple hours, while I fixed it, they all looked like lost puppies.  "What do I do now?"  Oh, I don't know, read a book?  Enjoy Pat's prose, and please drop by and leave her a note.  She'll really appreciate it!
 
 
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